Nikolay Arutyunov (aka niko333)
Meet Nikolay Arutyunov, a blitz enthusiast and tactical force on the chessboard. With a peak blitz rating soaring just above 2000, Nikolay’s chess journey is like a rollercoaster with plenty of thrilling ups and a few humbling downs—but hey, even grandmasters have off days! Known online as niko333, he has battled through thousands of blitz games, accumulating over 2000 wins while proving that resilience is his middle name with an impressive 88% comeback rate after losing pieces.
Nikolay’s style? A mix of fearless tactics and deep endgame knowledge. Don’t be fooled if he resigns early once in a while—his early resignation rate is under 1%, which means he fights fiercely for almost every point. He loves the Sicilian Defense, especially the Najdorf and Sozin Attack variations, where he’s shown a knack for turning the tables with win rates hovering above 55%. The Pirc and Scandinavian Defenses are also part of his weaponry, boasting nearly 63% win rates—proving he’s a master of counterattack.
When it comes to time, Nikolay is a bit of a night owl: his best playing mojo strikes around 3 AM. Whether under the moonlight or crunching moves late at night, his win rates often peak up to 60%, so if you’re planning to face him, maybe don’t challenge him when the clock strikes 3!
With a blitz career spanning from 2009 to 2014 and an ever-curious mind dabbling occasionally in rapid and bullet chess (where his rapid rating touched 1770 and bullet peaked at 1482), Nikolay embodies a true chess warrior spirit. He’s known for grinding opponents down patiently, typically playing long games averaging around 73 moves, showing endurance and strategic depth.
His most recent documented victory was a spectacular checkmate against zamnshes10, showcasing his ability to harness the Sicilian Dragon variation with finesse and precision—impressive stuff!
Off the board, Nikolay is probably the guy who laughs at his own blunders and vows to come back stronger—because in chess and in life, it’s all about the game of perseverance!
